Monty Python and the Holy Grail Discussion and Study Guide



Monty Python and the Holy Grail Discussion and Study Guide

Dir. Terry Gilliam

Themes:

• chivalry/heroism

• violence

• reality/fantasy

• futility

• the absurd

• religion/Christianity

Political commentary:

• monarchy

• communism (the anarcho-syndicalist commune)

• xenophobia

• nationalism/patriotism

Medieval realities:

• Black Plague

• Inquisition

• asceticism

• arranged marriages

• science and magic

Note Python’s story-telling technique. Modern day reality frequently intrudes into Arthur’s realm, calling into question the very reality of the medieval world. Further some of the characters in Arthur’s story question the reality of his situation: he is not really riding a horse, point out the guards; anyone can own a grail according to the French and the seductresses at castle Anthrax. All of these disconnects with reality beg the question: is King Arthur the great hero of myth and legend or is he just a homicidal loony?

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